Pakistan were dealt a severe blow on Saturday when fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar [Images] was ruled out of the first two days of the ongoing third Test against India with a back strain.

The fast bowler was taken to the Hosmat hospital in Bangalore during the second session of Day 1 after complaining of back pain. Doctors said he would need at least two days' rest to recover.

Akhtar bowled just 10 overs in the two sessions and appeared in discomfort from the time he was handed the new ball in the morning. He even had a massage on the sidelines during his first spell.

"Akhtar was complaining of back pain and has been taken to hospital for a MRI scan," said an official.

The fast bowler also struggled with fitness problems in the first innings of the second Test in Kolkata. He was admitted to a hospital in Kolkata after being down with flu in the lead-up to the second Test, but recovered in time to play the match.

So far in the series, Akhtar has claimed eight wickets at an average of 31.87 in 80.5 overs .